Licensed mental health counselors would be prohibited from using “conversion therapy” when treating gay minors under a bill the state Assembly approved today.

Supporters of the bill, including the American Psychological and American Psychiatric associations, have called the practice damaging and demoralizing, while opponents have accused state lawmakers of interfering with the counselor-patient relationship and intruding on parents' rights.

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The bill’s Assembly sponsor, Tim Eustace (D-Bergen) called the practice, "an insidious form of child abuse."

The Assembly approved the bill, (A3371) by a 56-14 vote with seven abstentions.

The bill stills needs approval from the full Senate before going to Gov. Chris Christie, who will decide whether to sign it into law. Christie has said he does not support gay-to-straight conversion therapy, although he has not discussed what he will do if the bill lands on his desk.

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Let's get this bill passed through the Senate. Is it safe to assume that Gov. Christie will sign the legislation if it crosses his desk, Instincters? He certainly owes us following his marriage equality veto in the state...